A striking piece of automotive-inspired furniture built around a genuine Ferrari Testarossa engine is set to appear at auction, blending Italian performance heritage with bold interior design.
The coffee table is constructed around an original Ferrari Testarossa flat-12 engine, presented largely intact and mounted beneath a large circular glass tabletop. Unlike many furniture pieces created from automotive parts, the engine has not been altered for decorative use. Instead, it remains in a configuration that visually resembles a complete powerplant, raising the possibility that it could theoretically be returned to mechanical duty if desired.
The table’s structure consists of a glass top supported by perspex legs, while the engine itself rests on small stainless supports attached to its original engine mounting points. The layout places the power unit at the center of the table, creating a dramatic focal point that emphasizes the mechanical complexity of the engine.
A number of original components remain attached to the engine, including the intake system, distributors, spark plug leads and spark plugs. The alternator and what appears to be an air conditioning compressor are also present, further reinforcing the impression that the engine has been preserved largely as it was when removed from service.
The powerplant originates from the Ferrari Testarossa, one of the most recognizable sports cars of the 1980s. Developed as a successor to Ferrari’s earlier 512 BB series, the Testarossa was designed to compete directly with the Lamborghini Countach and quickly became one of the defining supercars of the decade.
The car was built on a tubular steel frame and styled by Pininfarina under the direction of Leonardo Fioravanti. The design team included Ian Cameron, Guido Campoli, Diego Ottina and Emanuele Nicosia, who created the distinctive bodywork that helped cement the model’s iconic status.
At the heart of the Testarossa was Ferrari’s Tipo F113 engine, a rear-mid-mounted 4.9-liter flat-12. The engine featured double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a dry sump lubrication system. It produced 385 horsepower at 6,300 rpm along with 354 lb-ft of torque, with power delivered to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted five-speed transmission.
Beyond its engineering, the Testarossa became a cultural symbol of the 1980s. The car appeared prominently in television and video games and was owned by numerous celebrities across entertainment and sports.
The coffee table built around the engine measures approximately 180 centimeters in diameter, or about 5 feet 9 inches, and stands roughly 76 centimeters tall. The design incorporates perspex bases beneath the engine while maintaining the clear glass top that allows the mechanical centerpiece to remain visible from all angles.
The unusual piece is scheduled to cross the auction block through Artcurial with an estimated value between €20,000 and €40,000, equivalent to roughly $23,600 to $47,200.
